NASENI-funded university researchers unveil innovative R&D projects at Abuja showcase
Researchers from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, Oyo State, and Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Niger State have unveiled their research and development (R&D) projects funded by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
The event took place at the Technology Orientation Centre (TOC), NASENI headquarters in Abuja, and was attended by the Agency’s top management and research directors. This presentation marked the culmination of a collaborative effort initiated in April 2023 when NASENI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three professors from the universities.
Professor Abass Alade from the Department of Chemical Engineering at LAUTECH focused on treating aquaculture wastewater using a composite of waste banana and plantain stem juice through an integrated filtracoagulation cascade system. Associate Professor Jimoh Oladejo Tijani from FUT Minna’s Department of Chemistry developed a multi-walled carbon nanotubes-iron tungstate composite for industrial wastewater purification. Dr. Sanusi Kolawole from LAUTECH’s Department of Pure and Applied Physics worked on developing nano-coating green urea fertilizer to enhance agricultural production.
In his welcome address, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of NASENI, represented by Research Director Dr. Samuel O. Olusunle, commended the professors for effectively utilizing the funds to publish their research and develop innovative products.
Professor Abass Alade, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by NASENI, highlighting the importance of the agency-academia partnership. He emphasized the achievements of the projects, including facility development, acquisition of equipment and resources, and the development of human resources through the involvement of undergraduate and postgraduate students. Professor Alade also called for further funding from NASENI to mass-produce and commercialize the products through a tripartite relationship involving NASENI, academia, and private sector operators.
NASENI Research Director Dr. Patrick Okwu thanked the researchers for their collaboration and encouraged them to include production costs in future presentations for better public understanding. Engr. Prof. Abdulmalik Onuwe, another NASENI Research Director, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration and stressed the importance of expanding research deliverables to benefit the manufacturing sector.
In his vote of thanks, Dr. Bakare Hassan Oladipo, Deputy Director and Head of the Research Laboratory Development Department at NASENI, expressed gratitude to the EVC/CEO for the collaboration. He emphasized that the showcase highlights NASENI’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration between Nigeria’s top academic institutions and the Agency’s R&D efforts.
